PROMS have become an established rite of passage for school leavers giving pupils the chance to dress up like celebrities in honour of the grand finale of their school years.

The trend started in America, but has become firmly established in the UK, making it the fastest-growing market with an estimated worth of £80 million.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Prom time can be expensive for parents - the average parental spend is around £500 per teenager.

But thanks to the Mall Blackburn we are giving one lucky teenager and her best friend the chance to win everything they will need for the perfect prom night.

Among the treats will be a personal shopping experience at Debenhams in the Mall.

Rachel Walkden, the store’s personal shopper offered this advice on how you can become the belle of the ball on prom night.

“Prom night is the Oscars of secondary school and so you’ll want to feel a million dollars. Whatever style of dress you decide to go for, you need to choose a look that works for you and one that you feel totally comfortable in.

“Are you edgy-cool, vintage-boho or all about the glitzy glam?

“Choose a dress that matches your personality and you will ooze confidence all night.

“Make sure you go for the right colour to complement your skin tone; as a general rule paler skin tones should lean towards cooler colours like purples, greens and blues, while olive complexions suit warmer and richer colours like reds, oranges, yellows and dark browns.

“Prom trends for summer 2015 are more diverse than ever. Traditional ball gowns still remain a firm favourite, as do 50s style tulle vintage party dresses.

“Off the shoulder and one-shouldered dresses are big this season and below the knee cocktail dresses suit all shapes.

“If you want to be a little more ‘standout,’ dresses with bell skirts and bodices are all over the catwalk.

“Shiny fabrics, lace overlays and floral embroidery can enhance any outfit, and yellow dresses, the colour of the season, are perfect for those who don’t want to get lost in the crowd.

“Remember that shopping for your prom dress should be a fabulous experience - try not to get frustrated if you don’t immediately find ‘the one.’ “Have fun and enjoy trying on lots of beautiful dresses!”

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “A prom is regarded as one of the most important events in the school leaver’s calendar and it is a night filled with emotion and lots of celebrations.

“While proms are a fun and celebratory affair, we know that they are a big expense for parents, which is why we’ve launched this fabulous competition.

“We’ve teamed up with our retailers and Bowker BMW in Blackburn and together are offering one lucky winner and their best friend the chance to win the ultimate prom package for their prom night this year.”

 

YOU CAN WIN

  • Two VIP personal shopping experiences at Debenhams in The Mall Blackburn
  • Afternoon tea for two at the Debenhams restaurant
  • £50 worth of accessories from Debenhams
  • Two prom dresses from Quiz in The Mall Blackburn
  • Two makeovers by Urban Decay at Debenhams in The Mall Blackburn
  • Two hairstyles worth £25 each by Supercuts in The Mall Blackburn
  • Two £50 Gift Cards from The Mall Blackburn
  • A chauffeur-driven BMW 6 Series to transport the winner and her best friend from their home to their prom venue, courtesy of Bowker BMW, Blackburn

 

HOW TO ENTER

We want you to tell us about your best friend at school. In 50 words or fewer, complete the thought “She’s my best friend because ....”

You can email entries to blackburn.marketing@themall.co.uk or john.anson@nqnw.couk

You must include your name, age, school and contact number and the name of your best friend.

Closing date for entries in Friday, May 1.